Author(s): Moulongo Jean Georges Andre, Packa Tchissambou Bernard, Massamba Alphonse and Mabiala Babela Jean Robert

Abstract:
Menopause occurs earlier in African women than European or American women. Although biological factors contribute largely to such as abdominal fat and metabolic dysfunction, little is known of the role of behavioral factors such as physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic gymnastics practice and endurance race on body composition, cardiovascular and lipid profile. In a case–control and follow-up study, 32 postmenopausal women compared with 31 premenopausal women had experimental physical exercises (aerobic gymnastics, fast walking, jogging) for 16 weeks at Brazzaville (Congo) between March and June 2019. Anthropometric, cardiovascular and lipid parameters were evaluated before and after the 4 month-period. Our results showed that a significant decrease was noted in postmenauposal women for weight (-6.8%), waist (-2.5 cm), total fat (-12.5%), abdominal fat (-21.3%, SBP (-3.0%), DBP (-16.1%), HR (-4.0%) and LDL-c (2.75 ± 0.21 vs 2.58 ± 0.08 mmol/L). in contrast, lean body mass and HDL-c increased significantly (+20.4% and +10.5% respectively). In conclusion, physical exercise based on aerobic gymnastics, fast walking and endurance race play a role in the management of aggressive form of the menopause in African countries, particularly in Congo.

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